Twitter Lessons Learned

Tim Stevens, executive pastor at Granger Community Church in Indiana, has a great blog called LeadingSmart.  I would recommend it to church leaders and to leaders in general..

(Also I own Tim’s Tim Stevens Leading Smart limited edition Zune.  Just thought I’d share that tidbit.)

Today Tim posted Ten Random Things I’ve Learned About Twitter.

If you are active with Twitter you should pay some attention.

Here are a three of his ten:

-          I used to only follow a few people. I learned that makes me look self-centered...like I want you to care what I have to say but I don't give a rip about what you have to say. I recently changed my approach.

-          Twitter is personal. If I know someone is having one of their "people" tweet on their behalf--I stop following them.

-          Don't be a Twachine-gun tweeter (someone who spits out 14 in a row). If it was meant for 700 characters, it would be designed that way. Keep it short.

 

 

Under(Outer)shirt

This happens to me all the time.

My friend Rachel is quick to point out when this happens to me.
I like to think that I'm a pretty low key kinda guy, so when I get dressed in the morning I don't stand in front of the mirror very long. As long as my breath feels fresh, I smell decent to good and all the buttons on my shirt are lined up I'm generally good to go.

Interviewed and Interviewing

I’m prepping for an interview that I have with a church in a couple of weeks.
Rehearsing answers to common questions.
Creating answers in my head that communicate clarity and conciseness.
I expect they ask me about
…myself
…my past job experience.
…my successes and failures.
…my philosophy of ministry.
…my education.
…my work ethic.
…my ability to work with and for others.
…my leadership.
…my hobbies and interest.

However, just as important as answering interview questions is asking interview questions.

This is a little harder for me. I hate job interview a church. It feels like I’m saying, “Tell me why I should bless you with me.”
Now I understand that the process of interviewing can give the Holy Spirit some resources by which I (and the church) can make a wise decision.
So saying that here is a short list of questions I would ask:
- Why is currently a vacany?
- Share with me the history of this church?
- What is the current mission and direction of this church?
- What is the current vision for this church’s future?
- Can you describe the current health of the church?
- What is this jobs responsibilities?
- What are your expectations for the hired canidate and how to you evaluate that?


So. If you were interviewing a ministry canidate what questions would you ask him?
And if you were being interviewed by a church what questions would you ask them?

Song in My Head: "Where The Road Meets The Sun"

KATIE HERZIG & MATTHEW PERRYMAN JONES "WHERE THE ROAD MEETS THE SUN" (LIVE) from SITUATION OPERATION on Vimeo.

Singing at Concerts

Do you sing at concerts?

I do.  I have. 

My cable station has this cool channel that just plays recorded live shows.  That’s it.  Seriously how sweet of a channel is that?

I’ve been watching a lot of show and you will generally see the crowd standing while the musicians play, even on slow songs.  And when the camera move in for a close up on someone or a small group someone will generally be singing along.

And it crosses all genres of music and all styles of bands.  Bruce Springsteen, The Fray, John Legend, Jay-Z, Adele.  Someone in a crowd listening to an artist or band will be singing along to their music.

 

But I’ve been thinking for some time now about how I don’t like that.

(I do like it when it’s obvious the person singing along doesn’t know the words though…that makes me laugh.)

I didn’t shell out the good money I worked hard for to hear myself sing.  Or the person next to me.

And if I wanted to sing along I could just buy their CD and sing along to that.

Rather I spent my money to hear him or her or them sing live.

 

Also I’m not sure why we stand up at concerts.  Usually people are standing just to stand.  They’re not dancing.  They’re not trying to see over the person in front of them, because if they were how would you explain the person in the front standing.  And why do we sway our arms from left to right.  I think I can honestly say I’ve never done that.

I do get it that sometimes a song delivers so much energy that standing up and dancing and jumping is required.  I’m thinking here of a U2 concert.  Or maybe a really poignant or holy moment of a worship set (I suppose that might be the same as a U2 concert, eh?)

 

From now on I just want to sit and listen and chill and enjoy the music.

And I don’t care what you do necessarily, just as long as I hear more of the artist than you, nor block my view.

 

(I just realized I sound like an old man).

 

A Franciscan blessing

"May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless every single one of you with anger at injustice, oppression, and the exploitation of people so that you may work for justice and freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain and rejection and starvation and war so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you, yes you, can make a difference in this world so that you can do for Christ what others claim cannot be done.

May God bless with a heart that breaks for the things that break his heart.

May God bless you with a divine tenderness.

May God give you an ear that hears his voice.

May God increase the anointing upon your life, for you have been filled with the same Spirit that raised Christ from the grave.

 In Jesus' name we pray... Amen."

 

I've Been There, Have You?

Honesty moment: This is me some Sundays.

The Rats of NIMH

I read today there are some plans for a remake of 1982 film The Secrets of NIMH.
I was just thinking of this movie and how I haven't seen it in years. I wonder if it's still as good as I remember it from my youth.
I've never read the book that it was adapted from Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Has anyone else read it?

Shatner Recites Palin

No one delivers like Capt. Kirk.

Whitney's Back!

Have you heard her new single I Look To You? (Listen to it at her website.)
I think I like it.
I think there's a simplicity to the song's arrangements, written by R. Kelly, that's kind of refreshing in light of the last decade of Whitney's life and drama. The song highlights Whitney's voice, which is an excellent decision for a comback song.
There is no doubt that she has some amazing pipes; just an amazing voice.
I hoping this is her return.

Book Review - CowMan by Rylee Richards

My friend Rylee finished her novel today.
I gave it a quick read and it is AMAZING!
I asked her if I could share it with you all and she agreed.
Apparently she also makes some of the most amazing bookmarks. She and I discussed her business strategy in regards to her bookmarks today and those should be launching soon. They may be sold somewhere between $0.50 to $2.00; payment plans may be available.
Oh...I should mention Rylee is 7 years old. So we can expect a long and amazing career from her. Thank goodness.
Here is her first novel:

CowMan

by: Rylee Richards

Once upon a time there was a cow named CowMan and CowMan was a super cow.

CowMan safed many people.
One day CowMan was walking he had a mission to do. The stinkers are here and cowman had to stop them and get those stinking pigs.First the pigs did there pit stinker to do at cowman.
Then the pooter at cowman.

The first cow man did his milk blow up at the pigs

Then he did his old milk at the pigs.

The End.

I know...I know. Awesome!

There are rumors that this may only be the first book of a trilogy or possibly a longer series.

I'll keep you informed of any further adventures of CowMan.

Conflicted Over the Gates Situation

Okay.  I’m assuming you’ve heard about the situation where Henry Louis Gates, Jr., a prominent black Harvard professor, was arrested recently, which led to allegations of racism by a police officer.  Even President Obama responded yesterday that the police “acted stupidly”.  The incident has brought up a lot of conversations of how America is not a post-racism nation, that in fact racism is just as present today as it was during the Jim Crow days (which I would agree with and assume many of you will too).

 

Please hear my heart that I am certainly in no way condoning racism.  And I’m not naïve enough to flippantly say that I’m not racist.  I do, however, try to capture racist and stereotyping thoughts and ideas before they produce words or actions and conform them to the teachings and example of Jesus. 

 

I think that’s as fair and honest of a statement I can make.

 

But here is what I’m conflicted about (in light of the limited amount of information I’ve heard and read).

 

I was raised and taught to respect the men and women who serve our communities with a badge.  I can think they are jerks.  I can think they unfairly wrote me a speeding ticket.  I can think they are hypocritical when they drive their supped up Dodge Chargers faster than the speed limits themselves.  I can even have opinions on how they do their job.  But outside of an excessive abuse of their powers I should respect and honor their authority they have and the pressure and position placed on them because of it. 

If they ask me a question I should respectful respond (with an answer or not; I have first amendment rights).

If they ask me to pull my vehicle over I should pull over.

If they are responding to a 911 call about two men breaking into a home, even if it was me breaking into my own home, I should patiently and respectfully help him decipher the truth.

That’s how I should respond. 

That’s how a white youth pastor should respond.

That’s how a Hispanic off duty policeman should respond.

That’s how a Asian female politician should respond.

That’s how a prominent black Harvard professor should respond.

 

The cause of this arrest, to me, seems to be not one of race or position, but of obedience and respect to authority.

I would ask that if you see me being obstinate to a police officer who is just trying to his/her job (cautious about whether or not I have a weapon, am on drugs or just violent) please lock me up for the evening so that my attitude may be adjusted.

 

Racism is obviously still a issue to be addressed in our nation.

But in this situation, again – from what little I’ve read or heard, Gates sounded like a travel weary man who reacted to a diligent police officer in an inappropriate way, and only delayed the nap he was in desperate need of.

 

Now I’m going to stop before my rambling opinion unintentionally offends.

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts.  Am I off base?  Should I correct some of my thinking? 

Very Supertitious

Sesame Street just isn't the same these days.
Check out Stevie Wonder on the show in 1973.
The stereotypes are making we wonder why the children weren't sitting around smoking something illegal.
Thank goodness I don't judge people with stereotypes.

Even more impressive is the kid at the top of the stairs dancing like a mad woman...er...boy...um...I'm not really sure.
Nevertheless that boy/girl is awesome!

How To Start A Fire

You know...when you're stuck on a desert island and don't have two sticks to rub together. That or you are just really really bored. Personally I just carry my zippo with me.

Can I Do That?

It’s no question that I’m not cool.
Therefore it wouldn’t be prudent of me to question Jay-Z on…well much of anything.
I mean the guy is a phenomenal rap star, although I couldn’t tell you about one of his songs (I could recognize him if I heard him, but generally don’t care about his art).
The guy is married to the beautiful and talented Beyonce. (Although I don’t really like any of her songs. And I’m not really attracted to her; I think because I don’t like any of her music.)
The dude owns his own clothing line.
He has his hands and money in the careers of many musicians.
He is a part owner of a NBA team.
And I assume a dozen other things I’m not aware of.
However…

While I, like any man, enjoys lounging on the couch with a bag of potato chip, a tv remote in one hand, and my other tucked in my pants (don’t ask it’s a man thing, I can’t explain it nor would I break the “man-code” to do so), but…

When did it become okay to walk around like this?

Apollo 11 Moon Landing

40 years ago today Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin climbed out of the lunar landing module. Upon setting his feet on the moon's surface and making his historic quote, Armstrong took the camera and filmed Buzz Aldrin's decent from the module, as seen in the video below. Buzz Aldrin described the view as a "magnificent desolation". (I think that's a beautiful phrase).

And when one obnoxious individual tried to corner Buzz Aldrin and accuse him of lying and being involved in a massive conspiracy by the government Buzz...well...just watch...

Astronauts are cool!

A Thousand Miles

I'm really looking forward to Donald Miller's upcoming book.
You can preview the first chapters by clicking HERE.
Any book where Nietzsche is described as "the Justin Timberlake of depressed Germans" has got to be good.

Tipper

Ever wonder what Tipper Gore is up to while her husband, Al, is out working to reverse the results of global warming.
Well it seems she's taking pictures.
And she's a pretty decent photographer.
Visit her website to see her work.

Take a Closer Look

The above picture comes from the website gigipan.org, and here is why I think you should go check out the site.

There are a lot of photos like the one above on the site and when you click on it a feature will load which will allow you to zoom in on the photos to incredible degrees.

For instance the image to the right is from the top image. Somewhere in the top photo this little bug is just chillin' on this blade of grass.

Not what is cool about the site is that the photos are of lots of different subjects and place. There is city landscapes, and small store front shops and mountains, Obama's inaguaration, the Taj Mahal, the South Pole and so much more.

Check it out.

You'll see what I mean.

Enjoy.

1002

Apparently I used by 1000 post to reprint An Open Letter to the American Church.
I was going to make a big deal about finally making it to this quasi-historic milestone but I forgot. I think the open letter is fitting.
I feel like this year has been a half heart one in terms of this blog. And I've been thinking about making some changes. But then I think that is too much work.
I haven't even updated my music player in months.
Maybe that'll be my overhaul.

[Also the photo makes total sense to me, well two post ago it did.]

Quote: Christian Reger

“Nietzche said a man can undergo torture if he knows the why of his life. But I, here at Dachau, learned something far greater. I learned the Who of my life. He was enough to sustain me then, and is enough to sustain me still.”

- Christian Reger, a Christian who stood up against the Nazi regime and was sent the concentration camp of Dachau from 1941-1945.

I visited Dachua around 1990 when my family lived in Germany. There was an evilness that hung in the air that I was even able to sense as a mindless middle schooler some fifty years after the horrific events. I remember walking around the prison, looking in the cremation furnaces, walking through the dorm rooms, standing in the showers.

If Christian Reger can find a God who still reaches down and comforts and brings life in the darkness of Dachau, surely I can find Him in my life.

An Open Letter to the American Church

My Bible college professor, Mark Moore, post the following letter on his blog The John 3:30 Group.
I found it incredibly convicting and worth reprinting here.
I know it's a little long for this blog, but please take the time to read it. I'd love to hear your thoughts after you've read it too.

An Open Letter to the American Church

by Mark Moore

I write to you with humility due to a keen awareness of how fickle and fallible my past opinions have been. Yet now that I've exceeded the half-way mark of my life expectancy, I can speak with limited experience gleaned through decades of feeble attempts to chase after Jesus. I write to you with hopeful expectation that this generation of 20 somethings is not the church of the future, but the guiding light of today. I write with sadness, shame, assurance and exaltation at the current state of the Bride of Jesus, the single source of salvation in this world.

To you I would say the church is God's Kingdom. The pale rituals of church services, the vituperative debates of theologians, and the scandalous failures of leaders mask the divine glory at our fingertips. Nevertheless, it is still there for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. Those submitted to the patronage of Jesus will understand the quest of the master for global domination, not through power and violence but through weakness and an unmitigated commitment to love and truth. Through the cross of Jesus we not only experience the cleansing of our sin, but the eradication of the "self" which so drives us to degradation, violence, and self-loathing. Through the cross we see the brokenness of the human condition without losing sight of the imago dei embedded in each of His children. I call you to remember that you are not a
member of a church but a citizen in a kingdom, the very child of divine royalty. Remember that while your church owns property, the kingdom claims dominion. While the church multiplies rules, the kingdom enforces laws. Yes, we are political in the deepest sense of the word—we create a recognizable community with our own set of laws, citizens, and social structures. Perhaps our ineffectiveness as a church is because we have denied being political all the while playing by the political rules of a secular society.

To you I would say claim your national spiritual heritage. A brief glance at church history will convince you that the Holy Spirit is always on the make but never equilaterally. In other words, he does different things with different people in different places at different times. Our nation has some unique blessings that can only be explained through the gift of the sovereign God. Paramount, perhaps, is our economic abundance, unparalleled in the history of humanity. Subconsciously we feel we have somehow earned this. What a ridiculous notion! This has led us to believe that our wealth is reward for us to enjoy. Rather, our wealth is a responsibility and like all other spiritual gifts it is to be expended for the benefit of the body. If the Christians of our nation take seriously this overabundant gift and stop our godless accumulation we could put a real dent in global poverty and make Jesus famous in the far-flung places of our world. The Jesus I read about in the gospels came to preach good news to the poor. So too today: if the Gospel is not good news to the poor it is not the good news of Jesus Christ.

To you I would say learn of the Holy Spirit. From Abraham to Jesus, it was the age of the Father. From Jesus to the 20th century, it seemed to be the age of the son (at least the historical councils from Chalcedon on give him a lion's share of the attention). Now in the 21st century, it appears to be the age of the Spirit. He is speaking loudly and in more diverse ways than ever. He is not the personal possession of the clergy. He is breaking out everywhere in creative ministries and works of power through ordinary people. If you are not hearing him speak to you today it is not because he is silent (for he never is), it is because you are not listening. It may be that you have too much noise in your life to hear anyone whisper or it may be that you have never trained your spiritual ear to hear his voice. Either way, hearing the Holy Spirit is not merely the birthright of every believer, it is one of the most crucial aspects of discipleship. You will never implement the potential of your created purpose until you learn to be led by the Spirit of God.

Finally, I would suggest that the church must eradicate biblical illiteracy. Our own ignorance is killing us. When Paul described the spiritual armament of the Christian, the only offensive weapon he depicted was the sword of the word of God. This was what Jesus used himself in the onslaught of the Evil one in the desert. If you do not know the Scriptures, you are severely limiting the ability of the Holy Spirit to teach you, train you, prompt you, or convict you. The
Bible is not optional for the Christian; it is the heart of God inscribed on parchment where we can get at it. I know of no Christian leader I have any respect for that does not have an admirable grasp of the counsel of God in the Bible. You twenty-somethings all have opinions about how the church should be run and what we who have gone before you have done so terribly wrong. So now back up your smack with wisdom from God's word. Until you have something to say that comes from the mouth of God, perhaps you should keep yours shut. I say this without an ounce of anger or bitterness; rather I say it with sadness. I desperately want to hear what you have to say—I need what you have to say—but I haven't the time, energy, or patience for another uninformed outburst that lacks God's authority.

Well, thank you for your patience at these ramblings that bordered on ranting. I can tell you that if I had one last letter to write with the modicum of wisdom forged through decades, this would be it.

Eternal Moonwalk

Visit Eternal Moonwalk.
Quickly
I found it earlier today and I can't help but continually watch it.
Some people are just a complete train wreck when preforming the moonwalk.
My favorite of course is in the screen capture above with Neil Armstrong.

I dare someone to upload a video of you moonwalking. I triple dog dare you!

The Official CTFL

Click HERE for the official website.
Be sure to read through the rules.
Would anyone like to start up a San Antonio league with me?

Home Run Derby

Congrats to Prince Fielder, the 2009 Home Run Derby champion. The guy powers through pitches with his whole body. Incredible power. I can't help but think of his father when I see him hit. His dad would crush balls out of Detroit's stadium.
But we gotta give Nelson Cruz a shout out! I love when a Ranger excels in the spotlight. I would have loved to see Josh Hamilton in the derby again, hopefully next year he will be healthy enough.

Song in My Head: What Matters More

Have you heard the new Derek Webb song that creating a lot of controversy. It's called What Matters More from the upcoming album Stockholm Syndrome. You've probably heard the legendary story of Tony Campolo using a swear word to help his audience recognize that they (and the church) are more concerned about someone's language than their own compassion. Well Derek turns Tony's sermon bit into a song. Here's the song:

Musically it's a huge leap for Derek.
What do you think?

Jesus Meets Bigfoot

My friend Tommy Hiler told me about this artist, Jeremiah Palecek, and his website.
We were at lunch talking about oddities in art and Tommy referred me to Jesus Meets Bigfoot.
Who hasn't wondered what that encounter would look like?

Gen Y & the American Flag

Here is an interesting CNN report on a photo essay where the photographer asked young Americans to pose with the American flag.
I think this has some interesting insights into the culture of today's younger generation.
Plus the images are beautiful and intriguing. Click here for more images.

Sermons I've Recently Heard

Here are the sermons I listened to over the past couple of weeks. 

Obviously I am a fan of my former Bible college professor Mark Moore, who recently served as an interim pastor. 

Who are you a fan of and what preachers do you listen to?

 

Series – Behind the 8 Ball (Southland Christian Church)

Jon Weece – The Transformed You

Jon Weece – The Redeemed You

Dan Hamel – The Victorious You

 

Series - The Name (Christ Church of Oronogo)

Damien Spikereit – Jesus (Savior)

Mark Moore – Immanuel (God With Us)

Mark Moore – Christ (Anointed King)

 

Mark Moore – A New Thing

 

Series – Soul Food (Christ Church of Oronogo)

Mark Moore - Prayer

Damien Spikereit – Simplicity

Adam Scott – Communion/Community

Mark Moore – Self Study

 

Series – Vantage Point (Christ Church of Oronogo)

Mark Christian – Thomas

Chad Monahan – Mary Magdalene

Shane Wood – John

Jayson French – Peter

Chad Ragsdale & Mark Moore – God & Satan

 

Series – ABC’s of Financial Freedom (Christ Church of Oronogo)

Mark Moore – Attitude

Mark Moore – Bondage

Damien Spikereit – Choosing the Centrality of the Tithe

Mark Moore – Decisions

Mark Moore – Encouragement

 

Series – Imagine (Christ Church of Oronogo)

Mark Moore – Imagine if no one was hungry

Mark Moore – Imagine if no one was sick

Mark Christian – Imagine if no one was naked

Mark Moore – Imagine if no one was a stranger

Scott Ensminger – Imagine if no one was lost

 

Series – I Can Do That (Journey Fellowship)

Steve Dye – He Gave Himself

Mario Gallegos – Jesus Pushed Pause

Randy Larson – Jesus Embraced Doubt

Steve Dye – Jesus Pushed Stop

 

 

A Million Miles...

This is going to be a good book.

It's Donald Miller's upcoming work.
Maybe you've read some of his previous books:

- Prayer and the Art of Volkswagon Maintanence

- Blue Like Jazz

- Searching for God Knows What

- To Own a Dragon

You can read an excerpt of this book by clicking HERE.

I've also been doing a little researching on Donald's Mentoring Project. Is anyone reading this involved in the project or does anyone reading know someone else involved in the project. I'd like to hear a little more about it from someone active in it.

Song In My Head: Call Me Al

Ever have Paul Simon stuck in your head?
Play this video and you will.

I spent some time searching around the internet looking for what in the world this song actually meant. I found nothing affirmative. A few theories though. Some were interesting.
Do you have any clue?
Nevertheless it's a fun song, and the video with Chevy Chase is great.

Is There An Illustration Here?

Firefighters 'chagrined' by station blaze

A team of firefighters were called back to their station after responding to an emergency because the station was on fire. Apparently in their rush to respond to the emergency one fireman left something cooking unattended.

I think there is some application here for Believers to glean.
Obviously I believe that we as Christ followers have been called to take the gospel message to the all people.
I also believe that The End is sooner rather later, so I attempt to passionately make Him know. Which means I understand the seeker sensitive churches, with seeker sensitive services and outreach ministries. I understand that and support that completely.
But this news story is a gentle reminder that there are certain responsibilities by Christ's followers to take care of before we can rescue others. In fact scripture teaches us that it is by our love for one another that we known.
Compassionate outreach ministries will be, and should be, always apart of what it means to follow Christ. But I'm curious if the church's compassionate ministries are getting lost or out shined by Extreme Makeover, Bono's work in Africa and just in general compassionate service by people, organizations and nations not tied with the church. (Which I'm certainly not advocating those cease by any means, please don't read that).
But if the church fails to love and serve within the church as well isn't anything we do outside the church negated? Yes Jesus stopped and fed the 5000, but when I read the book of Acts I see the church feeding the widows within before I read about the church feeding anyone outside of the community.
And I'm not talking about the health and wealth gospel here. That by joining the church we should see believers flurish financially and physically. Rather I'm suggesting that inclusion into the Kingdom should find a person cared for so that they capable themselves of caring for someone else.
I suppose I would try and summarize my thoughts in this way: Outward compassion without inward care is like polishing a car that won't start.
That's what I'm thinking about today.
Can anyone help me in my thought processes? Either correct or confirm so thoughts?

Youth In The News: Early Deaths?

Many teens believe they'll die young

 

This is an interesting study.  Up to 15% of students believe that they will die at a  young age (by the age of 35).  This information challenges the notion that teenagers engage in dangerous or risky behavior because they think they are invulnerable.  Rather it suggest that teenagers might actually see life as fragile and fleeting.

 

This is further evidence of teenagers needing a message of hope and purpose and passion for their lives now. 

 

Life may be short, but we have hope in an everlasting life to come.

Life may be short, but we have a mission from God to pursue with vigor and passion.

Life may be short, but we can entertain the notion of joy nevertheless.

 

Because life is fleeting we need not fear death it is coming anyways.

Because life is like a vapor why waste it with worry, rather let’s embrace trust.

Because life is passing we must pursue the Commission now.

 

Detention Slip

Okay, just because I think this is possibly the greatest detention slip ever doesn't mean that I think the joke is old and tired. Sure I laugh whenever Michael Scott says it, but that's because when he says it it's awkward, which of course is the actual joke.

When Does Creativity Cross the Line?

A North Carolina State student was arrested this month for creating a "monster" out of construction cones.

It's actually really clever and creative and I probably would have, had I been driving done the road he displayed his creation, given the construction zone more respect and caution.

So why an arrest over the creative output?

Well he did steal the construction barrels.

I love creativity. I believe it is a God-inherited quality.

But when does creativity cross the line?

Specifically in our churches when does creativity cross the line?

I ask myself this question because ask much as I'd like to be creative I'd give up creativity for clarity.

I want to be known more for clear presentations of Christ, more than creative ones.

I'd rather be known more for my passion for Christ than for my creativity.

But somedays creativity for the sake of creativity...well...that's just plain fun.

I was daydreaming today about how I'm so glad that I do not live in a world with comic book superheroes. So I decided to make a list of why.

1. There are no superheroes in San Antonio, which means just like with MLB baseball I'd be living in a city without all the perks. Also I don't know of any superheroes who live in Texas.
2. It seems that those who live in the same cities as superheroes live with the constant threat of danger and death. And not the normal threats that you and I live with, but threats of nuclear warheads on a direct path to the vicinity of where you live and you have no time to escape or falling or broken building pieces from the flying battle royal between a hero and villain.
3. Also think about the car insurance. Cars are always being destroyed by superheroes as they save the day. So much so that it's probably not even worth owning a car.
4. It's bad enough living in a world with John Cusak, Tom Brady and the Brawny towel guy (gentlemen that the ladies think are so handsome), but throw in superhero dudes and myself esteem plummets to devastating levels.
5. If we had superheroes walking around in tights and capes it would probably be the expected fashion. I just think a cape would become burdensome throughout the day and that tights would be way to constricting.

Well that was some quick daydreaming I had so it's not a long list. Feel free to add to it.

Transformers

I haven’t seen the movie, I plan to wait until it’s out on DVD, but Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is getting the reviews I expected. 

And this review by James Rocchi at MSN is brutal. 

So much so that when an acquaintance from work said that there was a standing ovation at the end of the midnight showing I could only feel embarrassed for her.  And who gives a standing ovation at a movie?  Who are you applauding?  They can’t hear you.

 

Here are a few lines from James Rocchi’s review that stood out to me:

 

·         "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" is not as bad as "Transformers"; somehow, in the face of long odds, it is actually worse.

·         And, to deal with the token objections of the film's defenders, I have an inner child; he's just not an inner idiot. And if how much money something made had any correlation to how good it actually is, doctors would recommend you get more cocaine instead of more leafy greens.

·         If Bay wanted to make a big, epic science-fiction battle, he failed by adapting a toy and television series made for kids; if he wanted to make a family-friendly adventure, he failed by larding it with violence and sex and smutty "humor" and dog-humping sight gags.

·         The worst thing is that ticket-buying masses will shower stupid spectacle with success one more time because they don't want, need or expect anything better from big Hollywood.

 

My only objection is that last line.  I do want and expect better.  I know I won’t get it with this film.  Gonna’ stay home and watch a ball game instead.

Middle Schoolers Are Fun

Check out this cool kid. I love how they all celebrate together. Just being there they feel like they actually made it. I wish I was there.

We've All Been There

Chris Brown pleads guilty.
This is an unfortunate photo. Not because Chris Brown beat up his girlfriend and ruined his career (whatever “ruined” means in the music business). No, this is an unfortunate photo because Chris is rocking a booger. I suppose once a [major] crack in his armor was exposed a bat in the cave ain’t no big deal.

Concept Art

Some photos from the upcoming Tim Burton production of Alice in Wonderland have hit the internet. It looks great. Check it out.

The Love Bug

Either Dean Jones or Lindsay Lohan works across the street from where I work. Awesome huh?

I wanna see this film

Brad Paisley said this past week something to the effect of "nobody ever got the girl by playing a toy, start a real band", mocking those who play Guitar Hero but not an actual guitar.
I don't play either, but I see want to see this movie.

"Believe"

What dreams do you have that need a little believing?

"If you want my love..."

I really like this song by Jars of Clay called Closer.
Specifically the lines in red (lyrics below the video).
If I sing along do you think she'll hear?


Well you thought you let go, but you’re still hanging on
Mother earth’s slowing down, she’s still spinning around
And we-eee, are gettin dizzy

I’ll drop out of the race for more personal space
Cuz the rocket’s we're in, get’s so cold and I miss your skin
that’s just how I’m feelin.

If you need more love, well you’ve got to get close to me
If you want my love, well you’ve got to get closer to me

No unreachable itch, if you hemorrhage I’ll stitch
You are tears, I’m a cheek,
I’m a pail on your boat with slow leaks
out to sea for weeks

If you want my love, well you’ve got to get close to me
If you need my love, well you’ve got to get closer to me
Oh, if you want my love

I don’t understand why we can’t get close enough
I want your kite strings tangled in my trees all wrapped up
I don’t understand why we can’t get close enough
I’ll be the comets that are fallin’ from the sky you light up…light up

You’re my shirt iron-on
I’m the tick, you’re the bomb
You’re the L and the V, I’m the O and the E
Am I speaking clearly?

If you want my love, well you’ve got to get close to me
Ooh, if you want my love…

I don’t understand why we can’t get close enough
I want your kite strings tangled in my trees all wrapped up
I don’t understand why we can’t get close enough
I’ll be the comets that are fallin from the sky you light up

Because I don’t understand why we can’t get close enough
I miss the shivers in my spine every time that we touch.

Recently Heard Sermons

Below are some sermons that I have listened to this week. 

How about you?  What preachers are you listening to?  What sermons do you deem worthy of passing on?

 

Mark Moore                      Blessed are the Persecuted

Mark Moore                      Pure Religion

Mark Moore                      Spiritual Discipline of the Word

 

Series - Underground

Mark Moore                      Underground: Introduction

Mark Moore                      Underground: Jesus

Damien Spikereit             Underground: Worship

Mark Moore                      Underground: Physical Persecution

Damien Spikereit             Underground: Social Seduction

Damien Spikereit             Underground: The Earth Has No Fury

Mark Moore                      Underground: Real Life Hookers

Mark Moore                      Underground: The Tale of Two Cities

 

Series – Chill

Jon Weece                          Chill: The Panic Button

Jon Weece                          Chill: The Pause Button

Jon Weece                          Chill: The Send Button

Jon Weece                          Chill: The Easy Button

 

Series – Behind the 8 Ball

Jon Weece                          Behind the 8 Ball – The Transformed You

 

 

 

 

 

 

SF 49ers

People who know me know that I am a huge San Francisco 49er fan. 

If I was being honest I cannot say I always have been.  Because I was born at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, I assumed at a young at that I had to be a Denver Bronco fan. 

This changed on January 22, 1989, Superbowl XXIII, when I saw Joe Montana lead the Niners to a victory of the Cincinnati Bengals.  More specifically the moment Montana hit John Taylor in the end zone with 34 seconds still on the clock to take the game winning lead.  I thought that was the most incredible thing I had ever seen (as far as football went, baseball is a whole other story) and as of this year I have been rooting on “my Niners” for 20 years.

This year’s schedule was recently released:

Sept 13                 @ Arizona

Sept 20                 vs. Seattle

Sept 27                 @ Minnesota

Oct 4                      vs. St. Louis

Oct. 11                  vs. Atlanta

Oct. 18                  BYE week

Oct 25                   @ Houston

Nov 1                    @ Indianapolis

Nov 8                    vs. Tennessee

Nov 12                  vs. Chicago (a Thursday night game)

Nov 22                  @ Green Bay

Nov 29                  vs. Jacksonville

Dec 6                     @ Seattle

Dec 14                   vs. Arizona (a Monday night game)

Dec 20                   @ Philadelphia

Dec 27                   vs. Detroit

Jan 3                      @ St. Louis

RED = 2008 Losing Record

GREEN = 2008 Winning Record

BOLD = Finished 8-8

Underlined = A playoff team

 

This should be a tough first half of the year, but the second half could see the Niners making a playoff push.  They finished last year at 7-9, and I have to believe that this year should see them finish at least 8-8.  If some aspects of their game find themselves just “clicking”, like it can sometimes happen for a team, they may actually take a game or two and make the playoffs.  It would be nice to see them play an extra game this season.

We've All Been There...

Tattoo gone wrong: Stars and gripes forever?

Belgian teen says she requested 3 stars on face — but woke up to find 56

 

How bad is it of me to see her photo and start laughing?

I laugh because…well we’ve all been there.

 I mean really, who hasn’t fallen asleep at the tattoo parlor while you face is being pricked with a needle only to wake up and find your intended “small” tattoo has been exponentially multiplied.  I know I have.

You see this goes along with my post from yesterday.  Unless some responsible adults begin to see the need for youth being mentored into right decisions this is what could happen.

First it starts with an innocent enough decision to watch High School Musical, and maybe even believe that it was good.  But that only spills into sequels and HSM3’s. 

Next you’re foolishly saying statements like “Twilight is a good movie” or “I love when Lady Gaga comes on the radio”.

And now we can say that this behavior leads to star tattoos all over your face.

This is clear science people.

Universal Man Truth

"I once loved a girl who almost loved me, but not as much as she loved John Cusack."
— Chuck Klosterman (Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs: A Low Culture Manifesto)

Teens Need Mentoring

Teenagers need help!

They need the positive influence of adults in their lives.

Not only do they need adults who say to them “follow me as I follow Christ”, but in this crazy world filled with so many poor substitutes we need adults who can help teenagers navigate the murky waters of all areas of life.  Including pop culture.

And let’s be honest friends.  Teenagers are failing in this area.  And there are adults in this world who are only encouraging their poor decisions.

Two examples.

1.        Lady Gaga.  – I usually try…try…to find the pop culture relevance of the fashion of the day, but having listened to several of Lady Gaga’s songs over the past few months, I just can’t see it.  Her songs sound like anything else I’d hear in a club (not that I go clubbing much…ever…but that’s where her style of music seems to fit).  The lyrics to her song are just dumb (for example).  And her pant-less style seems more like a substance-less stunt than any real fashion.   And yet she’s a major pop culture figure right now, why?

2.       Twilight – Recently it ruled the MTV Movie awards, and this week it dominated the Teen Choice Award nominations.  Now I can’t say much beyond the first book and movie, but I did read and see the first.  And it was dumb.  Sappy, predictable, formulated and without any real creativity.  It’s just not a good or original story. 

I implore you to get involved in the life of a teenager and help direct them to good entertainment. 

 

Living Dead

Wanna watch the entire movie Night of the Living Dead?
Of course you do, zombies are awesome, and this is there movie origin.
Here it is. Isn't Youtube amazing.

Potential 2009 Summer Reading List

These are the books I am currently looking at reading this summer (and throughout the rest of the year), or at least the ones I want to read.
I've currently read 33 books this year (view the list of titles on the left side of my blog page), and will definitely reach my year goal of 40 (I'm going to have to set that bar higher next year).
Obviously I won't read all these book below this summer or thru the end of the year. But these are some that look interesting, at least when I judge them by their cover.
Feel free to purchase me one if you'd like, or if you have one, or some, of these...may I borrow them and save myself a penny. Thanks.
But first, to the library...

Digital Reading

Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger is considered a plan to reduce the number of educational textbooks at California continues to address it's $24.3 billion dollar deficit. As the textbooks phase out the internet-based learning materials will increase.
About time huh?
Now I love books. And pages. And bookmarks?
I love libraries and book stores.
I love smelling brand new books and finding rare, interesting copies of favorites.
When I think of a dream home the first thing that comes to my mind is built in bookshelves.
However, when thinking about our nation's education systems: textbooks are out of date. Information evolves and updates at such a rapid rate that the average textbook is out of date in no time at all.
It is only obvious that as school systems continue to battle squeezing budgets, the paperless world of the internet can dramatically free up the funds for expensive textbooks and redirect them to more significant educational concerns, like adequate funding for teachers, administrators, etc.
Yada, yada, yada.
Oh...check our BookGlutton.com for some books online, to see the developing possibilities of digitial reading.
I say all that to pass on this following quote from Clive Thompson's thoughts on the Future of the Reading in the Digital World; he says (and i think it's interesting and exciting):

The technology is here. Book nerds are now working on XML-like markup languages that would allow for really terrific linking and mashups. Imagine a world where there's a URL for every chapter and paragraph in a book—every sentence, even. Readers could point to their favorite sections in a MySpace update or instant message or respond to an argument by copiously linking to the smartest passages in a recent best seller.
This would massively improve what bibliophiles call book discovery. You're far more likely to hear about a book if a friend has highlighted a couple brilliant sentences in a Facebook update—and if you hear about it, you're far more likely to buy it in print. Yes, in print: The few authors who have experimented with giving away digital copies (mostly in sci-fi) have found that they end up selling more print copies, because their books are discovered by more people.
I'm not suggesting that books need always be social. One of the chief pleasures of a book is mental solitude, that deep, quiet focus on an author's thoughts—and your own. That's not going away. But books have been held hostage offline for far too long. Taking them digital will unlock their real hidden value: the readers.

www.facebook.com/tsharrison

Facebook now allows you to personalize your Facebook URL. I'm not exactly sure what this does for me, but I suppose it does allow me to direct people to me on Facebook easier.
Are we friends?
If not, find me here: facebook.com/tsharrison.
Revolutionary? Maybe not.
Cool? I don't know.
New? Definitely.
Nice and shiny.

Apparently if you visit my Facebook page you can meet Christian Women easily. So I guess my Facebook page is helpful in some respects.

Big Win

I'm just stoked about this win tonight. I would be thrilled if the Rangers can actually take this series from the Dodgers. I think it might legitimize the ball club this year. And I still believe that this is a team that is still going to improve once some of their prospects make their way up to the big. (Sorry Julie)

Confused by My Jealousy

Does anyone other than me think it’s weird that I would actually be jealous of a 14 year old boy who was hit in the head with a meteorite?

Honestly, how cool of a story would that be.  Sure the meteorite was only the size of a pea after it deflected off his noggin and implanted itself in the earth, but it was still a meteorite.  It fell from the sky only after passed by the moon after visiting Mars, Jupiter and Venus. 

I am so jealous.